Win over Everton puts City back on top

Manchester City climbed back to the top of the Premier League standings — at least provisionally — for the first time since December by beating Everton 2-0 yesterday, heaping more pressure on main title rival Liverpool.

Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus scored for City during injury time in either half as the hosts went above Liverpool on goal difference — although Juergen Klopp’s team has a game in hand.

City trailed Liverpool by seven points at the start of the year but beat Klopp’s side on early last month and are now level with the Reds on 62 points, five points ahead of third-placed Tottenham.

‘‘The reality is we could have been, one month ago, 10 points behind when we played Liverpool,’’ Guardiola said. ‘‘A few days ago we could have been seven points behind. Now we are top of the league. That is the best advice. The lesson is never give up. That is a lesson for all athletes. Try to win the games, because life can change immediately.’’

City next host Chelsea on Monday knowing that another win is probably necessary to stay ahead of Liverpool, who host Bournemouth on Sunday.